Pneumatically actuated veneer clipper



June 3, 1952 D. c. PORTER PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED VENEER CLIPPER 5 Sheets-Shee'cl l Filed June 19, 1948 June 3, 1952 D. c. PORTER PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED VENEER CLIPPER Filed June 19. 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 8 JNVENToR.

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TTONEYS M v. B MQ N Q @S MS NN I Ew QN I @Il odm Q` mQ June 3, 1952 D. c. PORTER PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED vENE-ER CLIPPER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 19, 1948 mg mm A Tron/v5 Ys `lune 3, 1'952 Filed June 19, 1948 D. C. PORTER PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED VENEER CLIPFER 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS June 3, 1952 D. c. PORTER 2,598,721

PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED VENEER CLIPPER Filed IJune 19. 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Lon B on

V-INVENTOR.

Patented June 3, 1952 l UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PNEUMATICALLY ACTUATED VENEER CLIPPER This invention relates to a pneumatically actuated veneer clipper.

More particularly my invention relates to a pneumatic actuating sheet material clipper and feed control mechanism for said sheet material.

For clearness and deniteness of illustration, I will describe my invention as applied to veneer clipper mechanism, but it is to be understood that my invention is not to be restricted to any such definite or specific application but is applicable to uses where similar conditions exist, in whole or in part, such as in the metal art, plastic art, and synthetic board art.

In plywood manufacturing plants, the veneer used in making the plywood is peeled from logs in a sheet by a veneer lathe being rotary cut and goes to a clipper by which the sheet is cut into strips or panels of predetermined, varying, or uniform dimensions. The sheet of veneer as it comes from the lathe has numerous defects, such as knots, pitch pocket holes, decayed spots, and the like. These defects make it necessary in the interest of conserving Wood and utilizing the same to the best possible advantage, to remove such defects by clipping out sections of the sheet. Thus, strips are provided of Widths of different sizes so that parts with the Worst defects can be discarded and parts with lesser defects or no defects can be put to different uses, such as for core stock and for different grades of face stock.

In the manufact-ure of plywood panels (that is, the assembly of veneer pieces), the veneer or plywood laminae, as rotary cut, from the peeler log is conveyed from the peeling mechanism by a suitable conveyor means, as belts, at a fairly high speed for efficient production. This requires that the clipper should be capable of controlled highspeed operation so that the sheet of veneer can be out up into even relatively narrow strips (thus requiring many clipping operations) if the character of the veneer so requires Without substantially interrupting the continuous flow of the veneer along the production line.

In clipper mechanism as heretofore commonly employed for veneer manufacture, a very serious objection obtains to the great vibration induced by the operation of the clipper. The clipper mechanism, as heretofore provided and commonly used, is of a complex character' involving a great number of moving parts which, under strenuous operation, requires to be overha-uled frequently and continuous maintenance. hauling often is required Weekly. A primary object of my invention is to provide a knife assembly in a clipper mechanism With only one mov- Over- Y ing rigid mechanical part, to reduce the lubricating problem so that the mechanism may operate long periods of the order of Weeks and even months without lubricating. A primary object of my invention is to reduce the vibration to a minimum to reduce wear' to provide precision operation and to reduce maintenance expense.

A further primary object of my invention is tov provide a clipper mechanism Which will conserve' plywood and thereby avoid vWastage of one ofou-r great national resources, our forests, as well as to provide economical manufacture.

In using pneumatic pressure as actuating highspeed means for operating mechanism not only in the veneer art but in other arts, definite problems arise particularly Where high speed and uniform pressure is involved. With piston and toggle connecting means, equal pressure on alternate strokes is not obtained due, for one reason, to the subtraction of the cross-sectional area of piston rod from the area of the piston face on the side opposite the piston rod. Accordingly. the mechanism operates with greater force in one direction than it does in the opposite direction. A primary object of my invention is to provide a clippermechanism which has actuating means supplying pressure to the knife proportional to the requirements of the cutting operation.

A primary object of my invention is to provide a veneer clipper comprising a knife means and an expandable-collapsible pneumatic actuating means for said knife means.

An object of my invention also is to `provide. a veneer clipper Which is capable of high-Speed operation, and which makes it possible to speed up production in a plywood manufacturing plant, and this with marked economy both in raw material and in operating expense of mechanism.

Another object of my invention is to improve the construction of veneer clippers of this type and to render the same more reliable and efflcient in operation.

A primary object is to provide a veneer clipper having a knife carrying assembly mounted for oscillating movement and having at least one expandable-collapsible pneumatic member positioned to exert a pressure against a part of said knife carrying assembly to move the same and stroke a knife carried thereby.

A serious objection obtains to veneer clipper mechanism as commonly employed in that a brass anvil is provided against which the knife does strike. This, in part, accounts for the seriously excessive and violent mechanism disrupting vi- Also, my purpose is"V bration. A primary object of my invention is to provide a clipper mechanism having an anvil i which provides the common functions of an anvil in the commencement of the clipping operation ing a shearing action as the end of the stroke is approached. This mode of clipping or severing also providesa clipped edge of the veneer `which presents a greater area, being on a curve,

for the purpose of edge gluing than itlwould if the clipper cut the sheet at right angles to the plane of the veneer. Y y

Another object is to provide a clipper having resilientYhold-downmembers carried by an os- `cillatinglknife carrying assembly and adapted to engage with and stop the veneer just before the veneer is contacted by the knife on its `cutting stroke. v

Another serious problem presented by the sheet of Yveneer of the character herein involved coming from the peeled log is as follows: The knots and decayed portions or pitch portions, and the different stresses existing in the weight of the veneer causes the sheetfto be warped so far as lying flat upon the table over which the conveyor belts run in moving the veneer to the clipper mechanism. It is highly important that the venjeerrsheet move at a uniform rate and when stopped, even momentarilyby the knife action in clipping through the sheet, that it be caused to resume its advance over the table promptly and [with the edge square to the table.' In accomplishing this, -a serious problem arises due to the-fact `that the sheet does not lie uniformly upon the pockets, and above all, the thinness of the veneer sheets, allows the sheet to buckle and not be moved forward squarely andwith uniform ad- Vance until a considerable period after the sheet i is caused to resume its movement after momentarily being stopped. A primary object of my invention is to overcome this difficulty and to not only cause the veneer sheet to stop its advance just prior to the knife action, but also' to hold the sheet in fixed position while the knife rises and thereby is wiped clean of any pitchy mate- 1 rial, and to employ the same holding mechanism that operates to stop the sheet, to cause the sheet to resume its advance. In other words, the stopping mechanism is employed to give an initial start or thrust to the leading edge'portion of the Veneerand thereby not only give it the start in resuming its advance, but also to cause the edge to move squarely forward. Furthermore, this stopping mechanism is employed to use its curved lshape to help overcome any curling tendency of the leading edge portion, and thereby provide for the leading edge to passV promptly beneath the upraised knife edge.

A further object of my invention is to provideY for a positive veneer sheet feed mechanism i to the knife, one which is spring loaded, to pro- `vide down pressure and is moved positively upward Vfrom the veneer sheet at the time of clipping 4 to stop its feeding action. Yet, due to the location of the spring loading and the method of providing positive upward lifting action, varying thickness of the veneer sheet can be accommodated by this feeding mechanism while the feeding action is in progress. The feeding chain of this feeding mechanism is inclined towards the veneer sheet. This inclination facilitates vthe gripping of the curled leading edge, and at the same time, such inclination enables providing for quick clearance from the veneer sheet when the feed means is to temporarily cease feeding the matei rial.

Another object is to provide means by which the veneer is fed to the clipper knife by provid'- ing a rotary device of a paddle Wheel type which has flexible arms and which operates in conjunction With a chain feed mechanism of my invention to engage with and tuck an upcurling leading edge portion of the veneer beneath the chain feed in a single thickness thereby providing for causing the sheet of veneer to advance beneath the knife Without any destructive force, being applied thereto-the ends of the paddle co-acting with the sloping portion of a chain feed, and having its peripheral path intercept the chain feed at a critical point in spaced relation to the table top, so that the veneer sheet is not jammed by the paddle against the top of the feed table, and some degree of freedom for the sheet to avoid crushing. Thus, the sheet of veneer is left in 'such angular repose that thechain feed is allowed to continue'rthe` flattening action of the curled leading edge without injury thereto and gradually cause theY curled edge to assume a parallel plane with the infeed belts.

Furthermore, as respectsr a backcurl on the following edge of a sheet (it being remembered that the veneer sheet is not always of ribbon form, but the peeler knife may be intermittent in its action due to the shape of the log), the combination of the paddle wheel and feeding mecha-.- nism of my invention cooperate in a particularly advantageous manner in uncurling the sheet. The sprocket operating the chain feed mechanism of my invention operates Vin synchronization with the belt feed, and at the same rate of lineal feet per minute as the Yfeed belt. The

paddle Wheel which is mounted on the same shaft Y as the drive sprocket of the feed chain will provide diierent speeds depending upon what part of the arms is in Contact with the product, the ends of the paddle arms moving faster than the inner portions.- This increased peripheral speed of the ends of the paddle while operating advantageously on the front curl due to interrupting arcs being formed by the curl of the sheet and the arc at the end of the arm, would operate disadvantageously on the backcurl because the arc of the arm and the curl'of the sheet are near similar in their center, and as the sheet is progressing steadily forward at the rate of thel feed belt, and is continuously decreasing the trailing edges positioned relative to the radius of the arm, it reaches a point when contacting the chain whereby these speeds are equal-the speed of the feed belts varying in different plants from to 140 due to the ability of the clipperman to handle inferior material.

A primary object of my invention is to provide clipper mechanism peculiarly adapted and subject to being controlled by electronic means. The construction of the clipper of my invention, particularly its actuating means, is capable of such instantaneous and responsive action that it works exceedingly well in conjunction with the speed of electronic means. Such inherent speed of operation of the actuating means of the clipper mechanism of my invention operates to make the clipping action directed to the definite narrow limits forming the border of the defective parts, and to the dimensions of predetermined panel sizes. Thus, only the defective part may be removed and not adjacent good material by reason of. the lag in the operation of the clipper knife actuating means, and also the desired precise dimensioned panel provided.

These results are provided by my invention by providing a denite are of travel of the knife. In pneumatic means employing cylinders and pistons there isthe inherent necessity7 of anair cushion at the end of the stroke of the piston which exhausts slower than the previous exhaust. Thereby, during repeated actuation, the length of stroke of the piston is varied with the amount of cushion which has been bled prior to actuation. In the pneumatic actuating means of my invention no such bleeding exists. At the end of each stroke a positive predetermined position is reached and the knife starts uniformly and necessarily from this predetermined point. The travel time of the knife edge from this predetermined point (that is, in its -most up-raised position) must be in direct sequence with the forward travel of the sheet which is continuously running until interrupted by pressure feet or momentarily stopping mechanism and knife. If inaccuracy is to be avoided, my invention provides for the elimination of all such inaccuracy.

In developing the invention, I discovered that there was a back pressure developed upon the einl hausting of the pneumatic means of such large proportions that the knife mounting mechanism was caused to deflect. An object of my invention is to provide means for overcoming deection of the knife edge. In connection with overcoming such back pressure, and in providing for change of direction of the knife rocker assembly, it was found that the location of the bumper means was very important, and an object of my invention is to provide for locating the bumper mechanism te absorb shock in a position which will prevent deflection of the knife edge, as is hereinafter set forth.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. v

The above-mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, arek obtained by the mechanism illustrated in the following drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawings like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a veneer clipper embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in rear elevation of the same, looking in the direction of the broken line 2 of Fig. 1, parts being broken away;

Fig..3 is a view in vertical cross-section with parts in elevation, taken substantially on broken line 3--3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a view in cross-section on a larger scale than Figs. 1, 2 and 3, showing the clipper mechanism andl actuating means therefor and a fragment of the veneer feeding means;

Fig. 5 is a view in detail of the bearing mounting the shaft of the rocker means;

Fig. 6 is a view in cross-section of a modified form of the invention showing the substitution on one side control means therefor; and

; Fig. 8 is a view in plan of the control panel.

rihe frame of this clipper comprises two upright end frame members I0 and II of similar construction. The end frame members I and II are supported in spaced apart relation by a fixed backing frame or upper cross member designated generally by I2 and a lower cross frame member designated generally by I3. Preferably the fixed backing member I2 is made up of an air reservoir portion and two convergent backing plates 22 and 22', all rigidly secured together. The end frame members are herein illustrated as being built up of metal plates welded together to provide box-like structures having great 'v strength and rigidity. Each end frame member Ill and II has a base portion I4 of substantial area, and further, has a relatively flat vertical inner face portion I5 to which the cross members can be secured. The structure just described provides end members of hollow construction with space inside for housing bearings and other parts as hereinafter described.

The fixed backing frame member I2 as herein iown in Figs. 3 and e, is provided with rigid end flanges I. These end anges I6 are adjustably secured tothe face portions I5 of the adjacent framemembers Iii and II as by bolts I1 and adjusting screws I 8. The bolts I'I preferably pass through vertical slots I9 in the end flanges I6 and are anchored in the adjacent end frames. The adjusting screws I8 functioning as a jack for the fixed backing frame are threaded downwardly through boss portions 20, which are rigid with the fixed backing frame I2 adjacent each end thereof. The lower end portions of these adjusting screws IS (see Fig. 4) rest on lugs 2|. Preferably, two adjusting screws I8 are provided at each end of the xed backing frame member I2 thereby providing for vertical and angular adjustment. When the nuts on bolts I1 are loosened, then turning of the adjusting screws I8 will adjust the xed frame member I2 vertically relative to the adjacent end frame. When the nuts on I? are tightened, they will rigidly secure the cross frame YI2 to the end frame members.

The lower cross frame I3 preferably comprises two plates 23 which are spaced a short distance apart at their upper edges and diverge toward their lowermost edges. The end portions of the plates 'S3-are rigidly secured to end flanges 2A. Each end flange 25 has vertical slots 25 for the reception of bolts 26 by which the end anges 2i! are adjustably secured to the end members Ii) and II. Each plate 23 has spaced apart upright stiifening anges or webs 2l welded or otherwise rigidly secured thereto to reinforce and stiffen and lend strength to the lower cross frame. Also, each plate 23 has an inwardly directed narrow horizontal flange 28 welded to the lowermost edge thereof. The flanges 28 act as reinforcing and stiffening members and also function as sound deadening members to offset and neutralize the tendency of the divergent frame members 2s to amplify noise.

One of the great objections to veneer clipper mechanism as commonly constructedand employed heretofore, is the great amount of noise that is deveioped by reason of the operation of the same. One of the objects of the present in- `channel shaped member 3|.

`ately adjacent the anvil 31.

Preferably, two adjusting screws or jacks 29 are provided'for adjusting each end portion of the lower cross frame I3. `As herein shown in the drawings, as preferably construction, each jack screw 29 hasv a headl 30 which is supported in a Y Each Y channel shaped member 3| rests on and is supported by one of the end frame base members I4. Each `screw130 extends upwardly through a horizontal plate 32 which is rigid with the lower frame parts 23, 24 andY 21: Two nuts 33 are threaded onto each screw 29 on opposite sides of the plate `32and can be used to vertically and angularly `adjust thelow'er frame I3.

An anvil bed-bloc 34,v (Figs. 3 and'4) extends 3 across the clipper and is supported by the lower frame I3. This anvil bed-block34 has a downwardly extending flange positioned between the 1plates 23.` and preferably is provided with two shoulders 35 which rest on the top edge portions of the plates 23. The upper edge of this 1anvil bed-block 374 isprovided with a longitudinally extending substantially U-shaped groove 36 for the reception' of a readily removable and `interchangeable anvil or shear member 31. The i anvil or shear member 31 has one Ibeveled corner Y 38 which cooperates with the top of said anvil in providing a shearing edge 39.

l the knife through a portion of its arc of stroke, and at the same time provides for the knife at the vbottom portion of its stroke to revolve inwardly of the edge of the anvil so that at no time could the knife strike the anvil.

For feeding veneer over the anvil or shear i member 31, the feed means shown in Figs. 3 and je comprises feed'. belts 4|Y for feeding veneer 42 d to the clipper and off-bearing belts 43 for carryr ing away the clipped veneer.

Plate means 44 can be provided for supporting the veneer immedi- The belts 4| and 43 can be carried on suitable rollers 45 and 45 and can run on trackV members 46. Rollers 45 and`45' are preferably of relatively small diameter in order to cooperate with adjacent strucl ture to permit belts 4| and 43 to runas close to -the anvil 31 as possible. Y

` secured to the knife carrying plate 50 as by cap `screws V52 which extend through slots 53 in the knife. and are threaded into the plate 58.

Preferably reinforcing web means 54 is provided between the knife carrying plate 58 and the tube l41 and -plate 49. 55. is provided on the outer side of the plate mem- Also, preferably web means ber 48. Preferably a shaft 56 extends throughout the length of the tube 41 and said tube 41 is journaled on the shaft` 55, as by bearing means l shown in detail in Fig. 5 and more fully hereinafter explained. The rocker means 9 is adapted `to'beoscillated about the axis of the shaft 56 to impart cutting and retractile strokesrto the The weight of the plate 50 and knife 5| provide an eccentric load to the rocker means 9 which in turn provides for 'an impact blow 'as the cutting or shearing force. a

The xed backing frame |2 is positioned with the air reservoir cylinder uppermost and with its two convergent backing plates 22 extending downwardly in convergent relation toward the tube 41, thereby providing an exceptionallystrong backing frame. The divergentplate members 48 and 49 of the rocker means 9 extend divergently upward and outward alongside of and in spaced relation from the downwardly extending convergent backing plates '22 and 22f of the xed backing frame I2 so that the rocker means 9 is free to rock or oscillate relative to the xed backing frame I2.

The rotational axis of the Y.rocker means 9YA and the longitudinal axis of the fixed backing frame I2 are thus parallel and in spaced relation toV each other. The substantial V-shape form of the plates 48 and 49 oscillating in relation to the convergent plates 22 and 22 of the fixed backing member I2 provides an important feature of my invention, namely, a variable shaped space between the plates 48 and 49 and plates 22 and 22 alternately during the stroke operation. This Variable shape of space results in a jaw-like action upon the expandable-collapsible'air cells51Y and 51 and 58 and 58 (shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2 and shown in Figs. 4 and 7). The rotational force is thus increased due to the eccentric loading and thereby providing 'a rotation force required. by the load. The thicker the sheet of veneer 42 being cut, the higher will the point of the knife edge be above the table, and therefore the air cell will be at the time of engagement of the product with a large bearing area on the As the air cell 5B enlarges by reason*V 0f the admission of air under pressure, the llessY plate 49.

v bering that the air pressure is constant, my invention provides for a relatively great area to start initially the rotation of the rocker means 9. This relatively large area of air cell bearing initially provides for a great force in starting the rotational force imparted vto the knifeand the eccentric loading continues to build up to an impact that operates mostY advantageously in severing wood bers upon contact of the knife edge therewith.

Another important feature 'of my invention is that in starting the rotation of the rocker means of air is smallit requires buta veryshort period of time for transfer of air to perform the above function of initiallyapplying great force to the rocker means 9 'in starting the' rotational action. The providing of a variableshapedV space between the plates'48 and 49 on theone hand,and

the divergent plates 22 and 22 o'f the fixed backing member on the other'hand; provides for the air cell members; as 51,v to take a pear-shape form during VaV portionof the bearing area stroke thereby maintaining relative equaiityf between the members.A In other words, the flexible expandable-collapsible character of the air'cell. characl9 terizing my invention makes it possible for the air cell to adapt itself to the varying shaped space, thereby rendering it possible to use one movable member, as the rocker means, in conjunction with a fixed backing frame in avery simple arrangement.

A distinctive feature of my invention is that such great forces are developed in this simple manner that it requires an exceedingly strong xed backing frame in order to absorb the reaction forces. There is a tremendous dei'iecting force created and particularly is this true when the backing fra-me I2 is relatively long between fixed supports whereby considerablmovement is developed at the center. The providing of a reservoir BB between the convergent plates 22 Drovides for a particularly simple, strong structure, and provides for reducing the time transfer `of the air reservoir to the respective air cells with a minimum loss of pressure due to volume change. High-speed action is required and this is one of the features which characterizes my invention. Moreover, it will be noted that the one nxed backing structure provides for both directions ci' movement of the rocker means 9.

The means herein shown for imparting oscillation or rocking movement to the knife carrying rocker means comprises four collapsible tubular air tight hose members 51, 51', 59 and 58. The plurality of hoses has been found important in increasing the speed of oscillatory action of the rocker means 9, and also, which'is of particular importance, it was found that the deection forces were greatly thereby reduced. This is true because the moment arm of force is less than the moment arm of reaction-the rotational Iforce of the air cells in the structure shown herein is applied to the rocker means relatively near the bearing points and no force is applied at the center. This .results in the corresponding reaction force being applied relatively near the fixed mounting of the xed backing frame rather than at its relatively unsupported central portion. Air cell members 51 and51 on on'e side, are positioned between the plate 4B of the rocker means 9 and the backing plate 22 of the fixed backing frame I2, and air cell members 58 and 58 on the other side, are positioned between the plate 49 of the rocker means 9 and the backing plate 22 of the xed backing frame I2. The air cells 51, 51', 58 and 58 may be heavy duty rlire hose, or specially constructed expandable-collapsible air cell means providing they are airtight pneumatic members, capable of withstanding pressures required for the particular operation involved, and of a character which does not permit them to substantially change their peripheral dimensions.

When the hose members 51 and 51 are free to ycollapse and the hose members 58 and 58 are inflated. as shown in Fig. 3 the rocker assembly will be angularly moved clockwise and a cutting stroke will be imparted to the knife 5I. Conversely, when the hose members 58 and 58 are free 'to collapse and thehose members 5'1 and .51 are inflated, as shown in Fig. 4, the rocker assembly will be angularly moved counter-clockwise and the knife 5I will be retracted. This pneumatic actuating mechanism is smooth, effcient and powerful in operation and is capableof high-speed operation with minimum Wear. ByV

referring to Figs. 3 and 4, it is manifest that at the time of cutting, the force is relatively vertieeuy applied to the product above the anvil .n

thereby causing the product 42 to take the major decena-i" l0 force of the thrust without applying an equal reaction force to the bearing. In this construction, the momentum of moving parts incident to the stroking and retraction of the knife is reduced to a minimum and the shock is cushioned in such a manner as to minimize vibration.

Plate 48 carries bumper means 59, which is designed to function primarily as a protective bumper means to prevent injury to the air cells 51 and 57'. and said bumper means 59 ordinarily may not strike against plate 22. Said bumper means 59 preferably extends longitudinally of plate 48 throughout at least the length of their respective air cells 51 and 51', and can extend throughout the entire length of the plate 48.

Plate .49 carries bumper means 6I). This bumper means 6 0 extends throughout the length of the plate or throughout the length of the respective air cells 58 and 53. Said bumper means `60 actually strikes against plate 22 absorbing full impact of the rocker means 9. on the' rei.- tractile stroke.

A third bumper mechanism referred to in general by the numeral |00 is locatedon each end of the fixed backing frame I2 and may comprise a pair of rods I9I in spaced relation longitudinaliy of the xed backing frame I2 and said pair of rods is iixedly secured to the fixed backing frame I2. Each of these rods passes through a slot'IUZ in an extension H33 secured to the upper edge ofplate t9. These rods IBI in the particular structure shown are about one foot apart. The backing plate |94 is slidably mounted on rods loi extending across to the other member of the' pair, and is held by adjusting nuts 195. A rubber bumper 'MI5 preferably molded in a dove-.tailed channel member 191 is slidably mounted on rods IGI but adjustably held by nuts |98. The mode of operation of this third bumper is as follows." In the first place, it measures the depth of stroke of the knife. In the second place, it functions at the time of change of direction of oscillation of the rocker means 9 to impart a rebound action to the plate 49 thereby overcoming any tendency for lag vof air in transferring to the air cells. As a matter of sequence of action, airis exhausted in aircell 5,8 and the rocker is in coasting Aaction in engaging the rubber bumper IUS. The bu-'mping thus gives a rebound action initially star-ting the rocker 9 in the opposite direction, that is, re'- tracting stroke, and immediately the air pressure in the air cell 51 catches up with the retractng plate 49 and moves the rocker means speedily a counter-clockwise direction. VIn this Way the air lag is overcome and high-speed action is provided.

Resilient curved product brakingy means 5i are adjustably secured to the tube 41 and disposed in spaced relation to each other as follows: A capping plate 65 extending substantially throughout the length of the tube 41y is iixedly secured to tube 41. This capping plate 55 may have stud bolts 63 mounted therein disposed adiacently and ion each side of the braking means 6I. Over the braking means El and slidablymounted. is clampf' ing plate .e2 suuabiy mounted en belts sa and here iirmly against braking means 5I by nuts 54.. Braking means .6I is preferably of. leaf .construcnon with the lower end means 6I is adjusted to stop short of the ar `path se of the point of the knife 5|, so .that theen'u ,of

braking means 6I ait no time intersects theV and thus the braking means 5I engages vtheprndjj uct 42 prior to the time that the knife 5l conn l.portion slightly upwasdly1l curved to avoid marring thev product. Bra-king .Y

aware;

. to the tube 41. Its adjustment with respect to the l rotation of the knife is such that the datum of the lower portion of the braking means 6| is always lower than the point of the knife until the braking means 6| engages the product surface and stops the advance of the veneer product 42 and permits the knife thereafter to descend through the veneer product 42.

The further oscillating of the rocker means 9 causes further compression of the braking means 6| against the surface of the Vveneer product 42, shortening the distance from the axis of the rocker means 9 to the end of the braking means 6|;V As Ythe knife initiates its retracting stroke and is moving in a forward direction, that very moment the braking means 6| begins moving forward and gives initial thrust to the veneer product 42. -Since the knife is withdrawing in a backward direction at a faster rate than the incoming feed and the material is being held against the feed belts, it is not allowed to follow upwardly with `the knife. The immediate thrust of the braking means 6| due to the reverse direction of the oscillating of the rocker means 9 immediately starts the veneer product 42 beneath the knife as the knife starts upward, but as the knife is moving upwardly faster than the ad.

vance of the veneer product 42, there is no interference. f

A further function of the braking means 6| is as follows: Any tendency of the front edge of the advancing veneer product 42 to curl upwardly is prevented by the curved form of the braking means 6| and the fact that the lower edge portion of the braking means 6| is always at a lower datum than the point of the knife 5|. Thus the braking means 6| performs four functions (a) deector of the veneer against curling, (b) acts as a brake momentarily stopping the advance of the veneer product, (c) acts as a hold-down for the veneer by reason of the compression strains in the braking means 6| to permit the knife to clear the Vveneer vproduct in its retracting stroke, and (d) acts to impart an initial thrust to the leading l l edge of the veneer product.

A real problem has been presented in veneer clipper mechanism in providing feeding means to start the veneer product on its advance after being momentarily stopped by the knife while performing the clipping operation. Heretofore the common practice has been to provide the continuously running roller chain contacting the upper Surface of the veneer andits loading being a balanced gravity load of a degree of contact friction to allow the roller chain to slip over the surface of the veneer during the momentary stopping of the veneer during clipping, yet of CII such loadV capacity to actuate the forward travel These Y42 is not always of uniform thickness.

12 about two and one-half inches and are rigidly heldin such spaced relation by means of a spacer member 69 to which a hardened faced shoe member 10 ,is secured. Also, stub shafts 1| and 12 operate to hold the bracket members 68 in spaced relation. On these shafts 1| and 12 are mounted idler sprockets 13 and 14. Driver sprocket l5 is mounted between the brackets 68 and fixed to the shaft 61 to be driven thereby-the pitch circumferential speed is synchronized with the speed of the driving belts 4| being driven in a counter-clockwise direction. A feed chain 16 is mounted on driver sprocket 15 and idler sprockets 13 and 14. A chain tension sprocket 11 is mounted on shaft 18 rigidly fixed to bracket 19 and hinged on stub shaft 1|. This tension sprocket 11 is adjustably positioned by bolt 8|. The tension of the chain 16 is very important as it must extend beneath shoe .18 in close contact therewith and must extend in an inclined position back to sprocket 13 in a straight line without any substantial sagging so that when as hereinafter described the feed chain bracket is raised there will be no contacting of the veneer product 42. A compression cross member 82 mounted on top of the brackets 68 and preferably located about half -way between shaft 1| and shaft 12 provides a mounting meansfor stud bolt 83 midway between the members forming the feed chain bracket 68. On capping plate 65 is rigidly mounted bracket 84 of channel shaped cross section. In the end is a slot 85 receiving stud bolt 83. A rubber washer `88 on stud bolt 83 is held in place by lock nuts 81. A compression spring 88 is mounted around stud bolt 83 in a recess 89 in compression cross member 82 and extends upwardly against bracket 84. When the rocker means 9 oscillates clock-wisecarrying the knife 5| downwardly for clipping operation, and therefore momentarily blocking the advance of the veneer product42, the feeding ofthe product must likewise stop. To accomplish this, bracket 84 being mounted on tube 41 opposite to the knife 5 I, is moving upwardly and thereby lifts the brackets 68 and feed chain 16 Yclear of the veneer product 42, causing the said bracket to rotate on shaft 61 to a height equal to the distance of the knife substantially above the level of the table when in raised position. Thus, all feeding action of feed chain 16 of the veneer product 42 is stopped and there is no tendency to cause the veneer product 42 to jam against the knife 5| during the time'that the knife 5| is momentarily blocking the advance of the veneer sheet 42 during clipping operation. Moreover, if the feedingaction of the feed chain 16 was not thusV interrupted, it would overcome the braking operation of the resilient braking means 6|.

As the knife 5| raises on its retracting stroke, obviously bracket 84 is revolved counter-clockwise and thereby moves against compression spring 88 and forces downwardly feed chain 16 against the veneer product 42 with a predetermined load causing a squeezing of the veneer product 42 between the moving feed belt 4| and the moving chain 16, Vcausing a positive feed forward immediately following the initial thrust given to the veneer product 42 by the braking means 6| as hereinabove described.

It is to be remembered that the veneer product Pieces of knot may break out and lie on top of the veneer product, or sometimes portions of the veneer sheet product 42 overlap so as to provide varying thicknesses. Also, when thepeeling log is initialasomar ly rotary cut, the shape of the log maybe such as to provide varying thicknesses for the veneer sheet product 42 thereby requiring a feed means capable of accommodating such non-uniform thickness of veneer product 42. The compression spring B8 adapts the feed mechanism of my invention for adjusting itself lto such non-uniformity of .thickness of veneer product. The shoe member 10 vin operating position extends sub-V stantially parallel to the feed belt 4l thereby ensuring a substantial extent of contacting area for the chain 16 with the Veneer product 42 to ensure proper feeding action. The parts numbered 6.8 to 89 inclusive form a feed mechanism assemblyof which there are a plurality, disposed in spaced relation transversely of the machine and are disposed immediately above corresponding feed -belts 4I. The angle 9.0 of the .chain 16 betweenv the tip of the shoe 1U and the sprocket 19 11i-relation to the veneer product 42 is important the advancing edge to uncurl any slight curled portion of any such advancing edge.

Adjacent to each of the brackets formed by the pair of members 68 is a hub 9| which is rigidly secured to shaft 61 to be driven thereby in a counter-clockwise direction. Lugs 92 are y positioned parallel to quad radii of the hub 9|. To these lugs 92 are secured two semi-flexible' radial arms 93 forming a paddle-like construe-- tion. These arms 93 function to engage any .l curled advancing edge of the veneer product 42 y and operate to uncurl such curled edge and feed the same beneath feed chain 16. The lengthY of these arms 93 is such` as to extend' to a hori-Y zontal plane intersecting the point where the chain 16 leaves the sprocket 1-3, thereby uncurlf' ing any curled portion of the advancing edge of a veneer sheet to such a position as to be readily received by the chain 16 as it enters between the chain and the feed belts formi-ng' the ang-le 9:0; Of course, it willv be understood that the ends of arms 93 do not contact the veneer product 42 unless the same is incurled position. Since the peripheral speed of the ends of the arms 93 exceedsthe lineal speed of the veneer product 42, a curled u-p--turned edge por tion is advanced faster' that the main body of the product 42 and therefore is uncu-rled and the leading edge deposited within angle 99.

In addition to feed and hold down means 16 and 93T preferably provide a plurality' of spaced apart curved metal hold down members 93A. Members- 93A are fioatingly supportedv by shaft 61- and extend toward the knife' 5| and rest on the product 45 and cooperate in straightening out and holding down the product.

Relative Fig. 5' and bearing constructionr for tube 41 and shaft 5S: The bearing comprises a con-ical roller bearing 56A on the' shaft 56 sup"- porting' the tubular member 41 for oscillation. The sha-ft 5ty extends beyond the end ofv the tubular member 4=1 and is supported in a sleeve 41A which is threaded into a hub member 41B. The hub member 41B is i'lxedly secured as by bolts 41.C and taper pins 41D to. web members 41E which are rigid with. the end frame. l0.

Preferably, the end. portion of the shaft 56,V is threaded and nut and. Washer means ME on this threadedend: portion engage withtlie sleeve l1-kV and prevent longitudinal.. movement of.y the shaft 5,9 to thev rightas' respects the showingin Fig. 5, and acts asa locking means after sleeve 41A has been adjusted to bearing 55A. This arrangement prevents longitudinal movement of rocker means 9. To facilitate the retention of -lubricating material around the bearing 55A in chamber 56B, I preferably provide pack-ing ringrmeans 58C between the hub 41B and the tubular member 41, and further provide on the shaft 56 a grease retaining ring 565D which is held by collar means 56E and contacts the inner wall of the tubular member $1. Thus long-time lubrication is provided.

In Fig. 6 a modied form is shown where a compression spring means is substituted as an actuating means for actuating rocker means 9 in place of one air cell, as 51. Compression springs IOIA are mounted on rods lill between extension |03 and backing strip 19d. The resilient bumper HHB in the modined form is of a height that will be greater than the com--l pressed height of spring IilIA so that it may perform its resilient bumper function.

Compressed air from a suitable source is supplied through water trap 911 to pressure reg' ulating valve 95 and thence to air reservoir 89. A standard d-way solenoid controlled pneumatic pilot operated high-speed valve 99, commonly supplied on .the market, is mounted immediately above and between air cells 51 and 58, and likewise, a similar 4-way valve 93A is Vmounted between air cells l51' and 58. The intake port of the LlY-Way Valve 9E is connected by conduit` 91 to reservoir 89 to receive compressed air. One of the distribution ports of said valve 96 is connected by conduit 98 -to air cell' 5B through4 tube 98 in reservoir 8U. Another distribution port of valve 96 is connected by conduit 99 to air cell 51 through a tube 99' in reservoir t9 (see Fig'. 2).

Similarly, the intake port of Ll-way valvey 96A is connected by .conduit 91A to reservoir 89 to receive conlpressedY air. One of the distribution ports of said valve 96A is connected vby con-A duit 98A to' air cell 59' through tube 99B in reoervoir 89. AnotherV distribution port of valve 96A is connected by conduit 99A to air cell; 51 through a tube 99B in reservoir 89.

The exhaust port oi the i-way valves 9e and 96A exhausts to the atmosphere. Supplementary exhaust solenoid operated exhaust one-way valves |99 and Ill) are respectively connected toconduits 98 and 99'. By supplying these suppl'emental exhaust means, development of back pressure in the exhausting air cells isI reduced to a point where such back pressure is unobjecu tionable, and thus provides for speeding up action of rocker means 9. Likewise, supplementary exhaust solenoid operated exhaust once' wayvalves IBSA and HA are respectively connected to conduits 98A and 99A.

Switch arm I Il is xedly mounted on the end portion of tube 41 (see Figs. 2 and 5) and engages a standard 2-circuit i-pole delayed action limit switch lever arm |12. Divergent plate 49 is provided with a resilient switch actuating arm H3 adapted to engage contact member of normally closed switch l' I 4.

The above mechanical construction as has been indicatedV is designed for high-speed op:- eration, and is therefore specially adaptedto be operated by electronic control mea-ns. Such a means will nexlt be described.

On a. frame meansI H5 which. are adiustably clamped are lights |43, |143'a, |435, liee and Mad, the same preferably comprising: electric T15 bulbs with concentrating lens of standard.A construction to provide a light beam. These light beams are directed to reflector means ||1, I i8, H9, |2 and |2| which direct the light to a photo-electric relay unit |50. The above described sources of light and their corresponding reflectors are in such spaced relation asto provide a controlled distance from the clipper knife 5| so that pre-determined sizes of Veneer panels may -be cut. rf'he light beams pass through the path of travel of the veneer product 42 on the olf-bear belt, and therefore, said light beams are interrupted by the leadingl edge of the veneer product to be clipped, and therefore, the leading edge of the product itself is used as the selfmeasuring device. s

By way of illustrating the operation of one automatic control mechanism as set forth in wiring diagram Fig. '7, the mode of operation will be described as applied to the cutting of a panel width-of 24", it being understood that the other widths, such as 12" being controlled by light |4311, that is, the light nearest to the knife 5|, and the width 24" being controlled by light |43c, and the width '30" being controlled by light |431), and the width 36 being controlled by light |43a, and the width 48 being controlled by light |43. TheV description, which will now be set forth for the control means, is that set `forth in part in my application Serial Number 778,785 filed October 8, 1947, for Automatic Electronic Control Mechanism. To resume, the mode of automatic operation for cutting a 2 ""width would be as follows:

Depress push button Zlb. This buttoncloses the circuit to the relay 223(2.R) between secondary line 2B(L.3) and main supply line |96(L.2). Relay 229(2.R) has two contacts normally open 230(2.R.|) and 23|(2.R.2) and normally closed contact 232 2.R.3). 229(2.R) was energized by depressing button 2|0b contact 23|(2.R.2) is closed, which is the counter circuit, but is unenergized until contact |9|(S.R.|) andY contact |95(S.R.2) are `closed at the time of clipping by the knife 5|. When contact 23|J(2.R.|) is closed it becomes a holding contact and replaces the depressed button 2mb and Contact 232(2.R.3) in line 255(L.3) is opened thereby de-energizing all lights beyond |:t3c(2.L) Thus lights |43d(|.L) and |l3c(2.L) have their` beams concentrated and reiiected upon photoelectric cell |50 thereby energizing the cell relay 220(P.E) and causing the closing of contact 222(P.E.2), thereby energizing relay 2l5(-A.R.) allowing current to flow from main supply linev |92 (LJ) across to supply line |95(L.2) and thus closing contact 204 (A.R.|) which acts as a holding contact for relay 205MB.) and contact 223(A.R.2)V is in series with relay 225(S.R.), but is inoperative until relay 22|l(P.E.) of the photoelectric cell unit |50 is denergized by the advancing sheet of veneer 42, Fig. l, which cuts off the light beam.

All this occurs as follows, the wiring diagram Fig. '1:

As the flow of the Veneer sheet 42' interrupts, lights |43d(|.L) and |43c(2.L) progressively Y (that is, they both have to be covered), the photo-electric cell |50 becomes darkenedV and de-energized which causes the photo-electric cell relay 220(P.E'.) to close contact 22 (P.E.|)- normally open contact 223(A.R.2) having been previously closed by the light energizing photoelectric cell |50 as above explainedwhich now allows current to flow from main line |92(ljg.

referring further to j When relay to A16 through 'contact 22| (P.E.|),' that' is,V closed 22| (P.E.|), through closed contact 223(A.R.2) thereby energizing relay 225(S.R.) which is'connected with main line |96(L.2) Relay 225(S.R.) closes contacts |9|(S.R.I) and |95(S.R.2).

At this point there are some changes in mode of operation and type of contacts from that set forth in said previous application. Instead of having mechanically operated limit switches |98(L.S.I) and |99(L.S.2) mechanically actuated, in the present'invention these normally. closed contacts are now opened by the energizing of the relay coil C.R.|22, which has two normally closed contacts |98(C.R.|) and |99(C.R..2). Assuming that rocker means 9 is in raised knife position. the switch actuating arm has mechanically operated limit switch ||2 by. moving contactorv bar between contacts |23 and |24,Y and has closed the circuit between contacts |23 and |24 and'- opened the circuit between contacts |25 and |26. As contact |9|(S,R.|) and contact |95(S.R.2) Were previously closed, as described, a circuitis now completed from |92(L.|) through closed contact |9|(S.R.|) through contacts |23 and |24 Y to solenoid Vin valves 96 and 96A` on one side |21 of a 2-wire circuit. The other side of circuit starting from line |96(L.2) passing through previously closed contact |95(S.R.'2) completes the energizing of the solenoid in valve 96A and the solenoid in valve 9B. These valves having been energized andr compressed air admitted to conduits 98 and 98A which is f ed to air cells 58 and 58', expansion of these air cells rotates rocker means 9 through their contact force to cause cutting action. As air cells 51 and 51' are ex- The other source of energy to these coils I0 and ilA is derived from the other side of the circuit line |34 through contact D.R.2 to solenoid ||0A by contacter |3|), completing the energizing of coils Ill and HUA, exhausting air at these points.

from air cells 51 and 51. As rocker means 9 takes limit of cutting position, normallyclosed switch ||4 is contacted by flexible arm ||3 mounted on plate 49 of rocker means 9 and opens this normally closed switch which deenergizes by breaking circuit |3| and valve coils |||l and |||lA in order to avoid escaping air when air cells 51 and 51T are re-inflated. The reversing action as later described re-closes switch ||4 as vlever arm ||3 leaves contact with switch H4. Rockerl means 9 now takes limit of cutting position reversing limit switch ||2, opening the circuit between contacts |23 and |24 and closing the circuit between contacts |25 and |26 by connector bar of relay ||2. The opening 0f the circuit on linev |21 and |28 now de-energizes coils in valves 99 and 96A and reverses the flow of air from exhaust air cells 58 and 58 and inflating air cells 51 and 51'. D.R. relay being in parallel with lines of circuit |21 and |28 is de-energized closing contacts D.R.3 and D.RA. Line |3| which is joined to line |35 is now closed through lcontact D.R.3 to |31 and actsas one side of af 17 circuit to` exhaust auxiliary valves |09 and I'USA. The other side of this circuit line' |30 being connected to line |34 is now closed with line |38 through .DRA and forms the other side of the line of the circuit to solenoid. coils of valves |09 and I 09A, thereby creating additional exhaust for air cells 58 and 58. Expansion now of air cells 51 and el returns rocker means 9 to raised knife position. As previously stated, contacts |25 and |26 have been joined by connector bar of limit switch closing circuit between line |96(L12) through C.R. relay |22 to line |92(L.|), thereby energizing C R. relay and opening contacts |98(C.R.|) and |99(C'.R.2). The' opening of these contacts in turn breaks the circuit to relay 205(A.R.) dropping out contacts 20,4-(A.'R.|) and 223(A.R.2), and as contact 204(A.R.|) was a holding contact, relay 205(A.R.) is de-energized. Upon completion of the rocker means 9 action to raised knife position, limit switch-',II' reverses in a snap action to close contacts |23 and |24 but as contact 204(A.R;|) is now open and in turn has opened contact 204'(A.R;|) and Ycontact 223(A.R.2), the circuit to relay 225SR.) has been interrupted. Consequently,- contact |9| (SR. I) and contact |95(S.R.2) are now open and return rocker means 9 to raised knifeposition.

Simultaneously with the opening of contact |98(C.R.|) and contactv |99(C.R.2) the circuit to line 206 is broken, and as the circuit Was` broken to relay 220(2.R) its contact 230(2.R;|) was open and as contact '230(2.R.|) was a holding contact relay 229(2.R) remains cle-energized with the following results:

Contact 23| (-2.R.2) remains open and contact 230(2.R.| remains open and contact 232(2.R.3) being a normally closedV contact and isat the end of the stroke as aforementioned-,limit switch ||2 has reversed its action closing circuit between contacts |23 and` |24, rie-energizing relay |22(C.R.). Contact |99(C.R;.2) is now re-c'losed, re-'energizing l-ine 206 -which in turn; energizes; all lights |43d(|.'L), 3c(2.L)', |43b(-3.L),g I'HaiLI-i) and |43(5.L).' Closing of contact v23|(`2.R,.f2) as shown is in a counter circuit and is subject to the breaking of that circuit throughfcontacts |9| (-S.R.|) and |25(S.Rf.2-). Upontheenergy'being applied to the cutting action,` as previously described, through the closing of contacts |9| (SRA) and 95(S.R;.2) this circuit' had` been closed and as contact 23|-(2-.R-.-2). was Aclosed counter 2|tb(2.G) recordedone out: ofthis dii mension. l

Thus, in the above descriptionithe pre'Se'tting of the circuits'for cutting a 24)" width of panel was made andthe actuation ofthe knife'tlfirough the interruption of the lightl circuit'andthe pre; set circuits Was described,y and how the electrical energy of the control was' used-'in actuating the air cells which in turn performed they mechan'ifcal action of cutting, and the reversing of the pressure and exhaustV of thev alternate air cel-1s has been accomplished, causing the mechanical return of knife to originalA raised position, and the interruption of preset circuits' in control panel, resetting control to original4V maximum cut dimension using all lights, and the counting of the cuttingV of` a- 24 piece has been recorded. The above, as stated', describes the mode ofop# eration for a 24v cu-tusing light |'43c(-2-.'LY. If another dimension aseo was' desired, then light |43b(3.L) would be employed', and likewise, for the other lights, butfthe operationfwould be'v siniilar to'that described.'v for the 24 onlyusingthe" different li'ghts' and diiiere'nty circuits.

Obviously, changes'ray be made in the form, arrangement and parts of niy invention without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred exemplary forms of my invention.

I claim:

1. A pneumatic actuating mechanism comprising 'a pivotally mounted tool mounting rocker means: a fixed backing frame for said rocker means providing a variable spaced relation with said rocker means; expandable-collapsible air cells disposed oppositely between said rocker ymeans and fixed backing frame providing during stroke a constant pressure and variable rotation f force whereby is inherently provided a ratio of force required for the load; a bumper mounting rod fixedly mounted on said fixed backing frame; and a bumper means mounted on outer end of said rod whereby the arc of rotation of rocker means is controlled and rebound is provided to overcome air transfer lag' and a. force supplementing the air force is provided to change direction of rotation of rocker means.

2. A pneumatic actuating mechanism comprisin'g a pivotally mounted tool mounting rocker means; a fixed backing frame for said rocker means providing a variable spaced relation with saidv rocker means; expandable-collapsiblel air cells disposed oppositely between said rocker means and xed backing frame providing during stroke a constant pressure and variable rotation force whereby is inherently provided a ratio of force required for the load; afbumper mounting rod fixedly mounted on said fixed backing frame; and adjustable bumper means mounted on outerend of saidrod whereby the arc of rotation of rocker means is controlled and rebound isy provided'` to i'ivercorrre air transfer lag and a force supplementing the air force is4 provided to change' direction of rotation of rocker means.l

3'. Ay pneumatic actuating mechanism comprising. apiv'otally mounted tool mounting rocker means formed of av front and aY back member disposed with respect te eachother in the shape ofv` a V; a nxed backing framcfor said rocker meansproviding a variable' spaced relationv with said rocker means; an expandablecollapsible air cell` disposed between saidy rocker means `and fixedbacking frame providing during strokev a constant`v pressure' andvariable rotation; force whereby is" inherently provided a.v ratio offorce required for the load; actuating -mea'nsl operating alternately to said. expandable-collapsible air cell to actuate" said rocker' mean's; a bumper disposed between thge back member of the rocker means'. andV the fixed-'frame wherebythe degree of collapsing: of the air cellv on that side is controlled; and a' second bumper disposed between thel front member of the rocker means andv the fixed frame' wherebyi a safety protecting .means is' provided for theV actuating means on that side of the rocker means; Y

e. A pneumatic actuating mechanism come' prising a pivotally'mounted tool mounting rocker means; atooi mounted onfsaid rocker means; a iiiiedj backing frame for said'ro'cker means pro= vding'atariab'ie'spaced relation with said er ineens;y any ipandab Fcollapsible a'ir'c' poseur1 betweenfsaidrocker arie fi 1 iri' frame' providing during 'Stfoiie ai consta t pressure' and variatie rotation force by is inherently provided a rY io of fore rl f tneia'd nieansfoperating alternately te* sare! gepa'fdapie-eouapsitie ai tc seti-mire" rocker' means; and i a fsiiient curi/'ea ina-tener product'feed brake eccentricallymounted on said c .rockermeana engaging product being fed prior .to tool contact andfreleasing product after clearance of toolfrom product. ,c f YQ Y 5. A pneumatic'actuating mechanism -comprising a pivotally mounted tool mounting rocker means; a tool mounted on said rocker means; a

fixed backing frame for said rocker meansfpro-` viding a variable spaced relation Ywith said rocker means; Y an .expandable-collapsible air cell disposed between said rocker means and rxed backing' frame' providing during stroke a constant pressure and Vvariable rotation force whereby. is

inherently provided a ratio of force required for the load; `means operating alternately to said expandable-collapsible air cell Vto actuate said rocker means; infeed. belts for product being fed; aY caterpillar type of chain feed angular bracket pivotallyV mounted on a cross shaft disposed on sideof. rockermeansopposite to that of said tool; a Vcaterpillar chain mounted on said bracket;

sprocket means continuously driving saidchain feed synchronously 'with` said infeed belts; van

arm ilxedly Veccentrically mounted on said rocker means having a slottedopening therein; a fixed rod carried by the caterpillar bracket,having .a compressionspring means disposed between said arm:Y andi the top surface of said caterpillar bracket; and anfadjustment nut on said rod above said. arm for positive control lift of said caterpillar bracket from the product being fed,

wherebyperiodically said feed chain may. be disengaged'` fromsaid product.

6. A clipper mechanism comprising Ya pivotally` mounted knife mounting rocker means; a fixed backing frame havingits longitudinal axis parallel toi and in spaced relation to the rotation Vaxislof said rocker means providing. a variable spacedrelation with saidrocker means; an expandable-coll'apsibleA Vair cell disposed between i said rocker'means.and fixed backingframe providing during knife stroke a constant pressure and variable rotation forcewhereby is inherently lprovided afratio'offorce required zfor the load;

`actuating vmeans Voperating alternately to saidy .expandable-collapsible `air cell Vto actuate said rocker. meansafbum'per disposed between the4 .back member. of the :rocker Vand the fixedframe whereby the `'degree' of collapsing. of the airA cell on that side is controlledyand a second bumper disposed between the front member of the rocker means and the xed frame wherebyasafety protecting means is provided for theactuatingv means on that sideofLthe rocker means.V

'7. A clipper mechanism comprising a pivotally Y `V*mounted knife mountngirocker meansformed Vof .a front `and back member disposed withfrespect to each other:in the shape of a V; a fixed backing frame having.V its longitudinal axis .p ar.- allel to. and in spaced relation to the rotation axis of said rocker means providing a variable Vspaced relationV with said rocker means ;Y an expandable-collapsible air Vcell disposed between said rocker means and xed backing frame providing during knife .stroke a constant pressure and variable rotation force whereby is inherently provided a ratioof force required for the load; actuating means operating alternately to said expandable-collapsible air cell to actuate said rocker means;` a bumper Vdisposed between Vthe back memberof the rockenand the fixed frame whereby the degree of collapsing of the, air cell on that side iscontrolled; and a second bumper disposed between thek front member of the rocker means and the fixed frame whereby a Safety proprovided a ratio of force required for the load; means operating alternately to said 'expandabletecting means is providedV for the actuating means on thatV side of the 'rocker means.

, 8. A clipper mechanismcomprising a pivotally mounted knifemounting rocker means formed of a front and back memberv disposed with respectV to each other in the shape of a V; a xed'backing frame having its longitudinal axis parallel to and in spaced relation to the rotation axis of said .rocker means providing a variable spaced relation withr said rocker means; expandable- Vcollapsible air cells disposed oppositely between said rocker means and fixed backing frame pro- V ly mounted knife mounting rocker means formed of a front and-back member disposed with respect to each other in the shape of a V; a fixed backing frame having its longitudinal axis par-Y allelto and in spaced relation to `the rotationaxis of said rocker means providing a variable spaced relation with said rocker means; expandablecollapsible air cells disposed oppositely between said rocker means andxedback frame provid- Aing duringstroke aV constantpressureV and variable rotation force rwhereby is inherently provided a ratio of force required for the load; 4inlet and exhaust air control means; the exhaust exceeding infarea the inlet means whereby back K pressure resisting forces are reduced and rotational speed is increased with corresponding vincrease of impact-to provide desired force; a y bumper mounting rod fixedly mounted on said v xed backing Vframe; and a bumper means mounted on outer end Yof said rod'whereby the arc of Y rotation of 'rocker means is controlled and rebound is provided to overcome air trans-A fer leg and a force supplementing the air force is provided to change direction of rotation of rocker means. i Y

10, A clipper mechanism comprisinga pivotally vmounted knife mounting'rocker means; a knife `mounted on saidrocker means; a xed backing frame for said rockerrmeans providing a variable speed relation with said rocker means;

an expandable-collapsible air cell disposed between'said rocker means and fixed backing frame providing during stroke aV constant pressure and Y variable rotation'force whereby is inherently collapsible air cell vto actuatesaid rocker means; and a resilient curvedproduct brake eccentrically .mounted on said rocker means, engaging product being fedprior to knife contact and rel zo leasingA product after clearance of knife from product. 1l. A clipper mechanismcomprising a pivotally .mounted knife mounting rocker means; a knife mounted on said rocker means; af fixed backing frame for said rocker means 'providing Y a ivariable spaced 'relation with said rocker Vmeans; an expandable-collapsible air cell disposed between said'rockermeans andxed'backing'frame Vproviding during stroke a constant Vpressure and variable rotation force Vwhereby is inherentlyv provided a ratio of force required for. the. load; means .operating alternately to said expandable-collapsible air. cell to actuate said rocker means; infeed beltsy for product vbeing fed; a bellcrank lever arm pivotally mounted in spaced relation to said rocker means and on the side of said rocker means. opposite to the side on which the knife is mounted; sprocket wheels mounted on said bellcrank arm; an endless feed chain mounted on said sprocket wheels continuously driven synchronously with said infeed belts; an arm xedly eccentrically mounted on said rocker means; a fixed rod carried by said bellcrank lever arm having a compression spring means disposed between said eccentric arm and said bellcrank arm; and an adjustment nut on said rod above said eccentric arm for positive control lift of said endless chain from the product being fed, whereby periodically said feed ,chain may be disengaged from said. product.

12. In a clipper mechanism, a pivotally mounted knife mounting rocker means; a fixed backing frame for said rocker-means having a compressed air reservoir; and expandable-collapsible air cells communicatingly connected to said air reservoir disposed between said rocker means and backing frame.

13. A clipper mechanism comprising apivotally mounted knife mounting rocker means; a knife mounted on said rocker means; a fixed backing frame for said` rocker means; an eX- pandable-collapsible air cell disposed between said rocker means and fixed kacking frame to actuate the rocker means in one direction; means operating alternately to said expandablecollapsible air cell to actuate said rocker means in the opposite direction; infeed belts for product being fed; resilient curved product brake mounted on said rocker means positioned to engage product being fed prior to knife contact and to release the product after clearance of knife from product and during releasinggiving an initial forward thrust to the product; a bellcrank lever arm pivotally mounted in spaced relation to said rocker means and on the side of said rocker means opposite to the side on which the knife is mounted; sprocket wheels mounted on said bellcrank arm; an endless feed chain mounted on said sprocket wheels continuously driven synchronously with said infeed belts; an arm flxedly eccentrically mounted on said rocker means; a fixed rod carried by said bellcrank lever arm having a compression spring means disposed between said eccentric arm and said bellcrank arm; and an adjustment nut on said rod above said eccentric arm for positive control lift of said endless chain from the product being fed, whereby periodically said feed chain may be disengaged from said product at a time when said resilient braking means engages the product and periodically depressed on the product after the resilient braking means has imparted a forward thrust to the product.

14. In a pneumatic actuating mechanism, the combination of a fixed backing frame comprising an air reservoir cylinder having two sub-tended converging plates; a rocker means pivotally mounted beneath said sub-tended plates having two upwardly diverging plates oppositely disposed with respect to said subtended plates; and hose air cells mounted between the sub-tended plates and the upwardly divergentI plates, whereby is provided a backing frame characterized by its rigidity.

15. In a pneumatic actuating mechanism, the combination of a fixed backing frame comprising an air reservoir cylinder having two sub-tended converging plates; a rocker means pivotally mounted beneath said sub-tended plates' having two upwardly diverging plates oppositely disposed with respect to said sub-tended plates; and hose air cells of relatively small volume in comparison to said air reservoir mounted oppositely between the sub-tended plates and the upwardly diverging plates.

16. In a pneumatic actuating mechanism having a pivotally mounted rocker means comprising divergent plates.; a fixed backing frame for said rocker means having two converging plates oppositely disposed with respect to said divergent plates of said rockermeans and having the longitudinal axis of the intersection of saidpla'tes parallel to and in spaced relation to the rotational axis of said rocker means; and hose air cells mounted betweenthe plates of saidv rocker means and `said fixedfbacking frame.

17. In a pneumatic actuating mechanism, the combination of a fixed backing frame comprising.` an air reservoir cylinder having two subtended converging plates; a rocker means pivotally mounted beneath said sub-tended plates having two upwardly diverging plates oppositely disposedl with respect to said subtended plates; an ec-centrically mounted tool mounting means formed by being secured to one of said upwardly diverging plates ;,hose. air cells mounted oppositely between the sub-tended plates and the upwardly diverging plates; and air conduits connecting saidair reservoir cylinder and said hose air cells, whereby said tool mounting means is actuated by the periodic force of pneumatic pressure in said cells augmented by the lever advantage of said upwardly diverging plates and by its added weight eccentrically mounted.

18. In a pneumatic actuating mechanism the combination of a fixed backing frame comprising an air reservoir cylinder having two sub-tended converging plates; a rocker means pivotally mounted beneath said sub-tended plates'having two upwardly diverging plates oppositely disposed with respect to said subtended plates; and a plurality of hose air cells mounted in spaced relation longitudinally of said rocker means, and on opposite sides of said rocker means between the sub-tended plates and the upwardly diverging plates, whereby localized air pressure means may be applied to said upwardly diverging plates.

19. In the combination of claim 17 and bumper means limiting the outward stroke of said upwardly diverging plate having the tool mounted means mounted thereon, whereby a rebound force 1s developed which overcomes lag in the pneumatlc pressure for increased speed in reversing the movement of the rocker means.

20. The combination of claim 17 and air exhaust-to-atmosphere valves operatively disposed 1n said air conduits whereby the development of back pressure in the exhausting air cells is reduced.

A pneumatic actuating mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted rocker means comprising divergent plates; a fixed backing frame for said rocker means disposed adjacent said rocker means and comprising two divergent plates and having the longitudinal axis of the intersection of said plates parallel to and in spaced relation to the rotation axis of said rocker means' an `air cell comprising a container formed of flexible substantially non-expandable wall construction, peripherally considered. mounted between said rocker means and fixed backing frame adapted to take the form created between the divergent wall of the fixed backing member and 23 'the rocker means; anda knife mounting assembly -xedly secured to one plate of said rocker means, whereby said side ofthe rocker means is eccen- VtricallyY loadedfandY whereby is provided a moan eccentric tool mounting means formed by being secured to one of said upwardly diverging' i plates; `a cutting knife mounted in said tool Y mounting means; and a curved leaf spring brake means mounted on the side of said rocker means opposite to the tool mounting means adjusted to have itslowermost position .pressing againstl andl stopping the feeding of thematerial to be clipped just prior to the engagement of theknife with the material.

Y 23. InY a pneumatic actuating mechanism the combination of a frame; a pivotally mounted rocker Ymeans mounted on said frame; a fixedv backing frame for said rocker means; an air cell comprising a .container 'formed of flexible sub-'- stantially non-expandable wallrconstruction, p'e'- ripherally considered, mounted between said rocker means and xed backing frame; a bell side of said rocker means on said frame; sprocket wheels mounted on said arm; feed chain mounted over said sprocket Wheels a spring leaf mountedadjacent the sprocket on one end of said arm and extending beneath the sprocket wheel mounted on the opposite end of said arm; and a lever arm mounted on said rocker means connecting said lever arm with said bellcrank lever arm, whereby `the product being' processed may be caused to lie flat while passing under said feed chain. i 'Y DONALD C. PORTER.

i REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordin the le of this patent:A l Y UNITED STATES PATENTS 

